Winter Olympics 2018: Signing off from South Korea, where war lingers

U.S. President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka arrives in South Korea to attend the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics
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Kim Hyun-joo, a 26-year-old from Seoul who worked as a media liaison at the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, said of North Koreans: "These people didn’t do anything wrong, they just live there. Everyone deserves to be happy and deserves to be free." (Joe Rexrode/The Tennessean)(Photo: Joe Rexrode / USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee)

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea – Lee Hyun-joo and I had at least one thing in common at these Winter Olympics.

“This was my first time ever seeing a North Korean,” said Lee, a 26-year-old from Seoul who worked the Games as a media liaison at the Olympic Sliding Centre.

And she had something in common with most South Koreans I had conversations with in the past three weeks – family in North Korea she has never seen or interacted with in any way. Her late grandmother was ripped from her parents during the Korean War and their lives carried on just a few miles apart, but it may as well have been a million. That was the backdrop of an Olympic experience that ends Sunday, in a country that couldn’t have represented itself better from this viewpoint. And that tiny little crack in the ice between South Korea and North Korea was the story.

Germany defenseman Christian Ehrhoff (10) battles for the puck with Russia forward Ivan Telegin (7) during the third period in the men's ice hockey gold medal match during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Russia forward Nikita Gusev (97) celebrates after scoring a goal against Germany during the third period in the men's ice hockey gold medal match during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Czech Republic forward Roman Horak (51) reaches for the puck ahead of Russia defenseman Vyacheslav Voinov (26) during the first period in the men's ice hockey semifinals during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Russia forward Kirill Kaprizov (77) battles for the puck with Czech Republic forward Jan Kovar (43) during the third period in the men's ice hockey semifinals during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Germany forward Felix Schutz (55) is called for a boarding against Canada defenseman Maxim Noreau (56) during the first period in the men's ice hockey semifinals during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Canada goaltender Kevin Poulin (31) gives up a goal to Germany forward Brooks Macek (not pictured) during the first period in the men's ice hockey semifinals during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Germany forward Brooks Macek (12) celebrates with Yannic Seidenberg (36) after scoring a goal against Canada during the first period in the men's ice hockey semifinals during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Canada forward Rene Bourque (17) battles for the puck with Germany forward Marcel Goc (57) during the third period in the men's ice hockey semifinals during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Canada players, from left, Rebecca Johnston, Laura Stacey, and Laura Fortino, react after losing to the United States in the women's ice hockey gold medal match during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

United States goaltender Madeline Rooney (35) gives up a goal to Canada forward Marie-Philip Poulin (not pictured) during the second period in the women's ice hockey gold medal match during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

United States forward Gigi Marvin (19) dives for the puck between Canada defenseman Renata Fast (14) and forward Marie-Philip Poulin (29) during the first period in the women's ice hockey gold medal match during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

United States forward Hilary Knight (21) celebrates after scoring a goal past Canada goaltender Shannon Szabados (1) during the first period in the women's ice hockey gold medal match during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

United States forward Hilary Knight (21) deflects the puck past Canada goaltender Shannon Szabados (1) for a goal during the first period in the women's ice hockey gold medal match during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

United States forward Hilary Knight (21) celebrates a goal against Canada during the first period in the women's ice hockey gold medal match during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

United States forward Monique Lamoureux-Morando (7) attempts a wrap around against Canada forward Emily Clark (26) during the third period in the women's ice hockey gold medal match during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

United States forward Monique Lamoureux-Morando (7) celebrates with Emily Pfalzer (8) after scoring a goal against Canada during the third period in the women's ice hockey gold medal match during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

United States forward Jocelyne Lamoureux (17) celebrates a goal in a shootout against Canada in the women's ice hockey gold medal match during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

United States players snap a photo of themselves after defeating Canada in the women's ice hockey gold medal match during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

United States goaltender Ryan Zapolski (30) reacts after playing Czech Republic in the men's ice hockey quarterfinals during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

United States goaltender Ryan Zapolski (30) and defender Matt Gilroy (97) react after the game against Czech Republic of the men's ice hockey quarterfinals during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

United States goaltender Ryan Zapolski (30) makes a save on Czech Republic in overtime of the men's ice hockey quarterfinals during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

United States defenseman Ryan Gunderson (13) works to clear the puck from the goal against Czech Republic in the first period of the men's ice hockey quarterfinals during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Czech Republic goaltender Pavel Francouz (33) is unable to stop a shot for a goal by United States forward Jim Slater (19) in the second period of the men's ice hockey quarterfinals during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Nelles-USA TODAY Sports Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

United States forward Jim Slater (19) shoots the puck past Czech Republic defenseman Ondrej Nemec (23) for a goal in the second period of the men's ice hockey quarterfinals during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

United States forward Jim Slater (19) celebrates after he scores a goal on the Czech Republic in the second period of the men's ice hockey quarterfinals during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Czech Republic defenseman Ondrej Nemec (23) and United States forward Jim Slater (19) battle for the puck in the second period of the men's ice hockey quarterfinals during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Czech Republic forward Petr Koukal (42) slides into the net of United States goaltender Ryan Zapolski (30) in the third period of the men's ice hockey quarterfinals during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Czech Republic forward Martin Erat (91) plays the puck in overtime against United States of the men's ice hockey quarterfinals during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

United States defenseman Bobby Sanguinetti (22) reacts after playing Czech Republic in the men's ice hockey quarterfinals during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Czech Republic goaltender Pavel Francouz (33) greets fans after playing the United States in the men's ice hockey quarterfinals during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Madison Chock and Evan Bates (USA) fall to the ice as they perform in the figure skating free dance event during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Ice Arena. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Madison Chock and Evan Bates (USA) fall to the ice as they perform in the figure skating free dance event during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Ice Arena. , Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Fans take a nap as the Olympic Athletes from Russia face Canada in the women's ice hockey semifinals during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

United States forward Danielle Cameranesi (24) celebrates a goal against Finland in the women's ice hockey semifinals during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

United States forward Gigi Marvin (19) celebrates a goal against Finland in the women's ice hockey semifinals during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

The Olympic Athletes from Russia's Olga Sosina (18) walks off the ice after losing to Canada in the women's ice hockey semifinals during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Canada forward Wojciech Wolski (8) hits the glass in the second period against Republic of Korea during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Canada forward Mason Raymond (21) tries unsuccessfully to knock the puck into the goal over Korea goaltender Matt Dalton (1) in the second period during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Canada goaltender Kevin Poulin (31) makes a save on a Republic of Korea shot in the third period during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Korea forward Brock Radunske (25) battles for the puck against Canada forward Mason Raymond (21) in the first period during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Czech Republic forward Jiri Sekac (64) passes the puck back along the boards against Canada in the third period during men's ice hockey Group A play in the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Olympic Athlete from Russia forward Nikolai Prokhorkin (74) scores a goal past United States goaltender Ryan Zapolski (30) in the first period during men's ice hockey Group B play in the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Switzerland forward Pius Suter (44) scores a goal past Korea goaltender Matt Dalton (1) in the third period during men's ice hockey Group A play in the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Korea goaltender Matt Dalton (1) fails to stop a goal from being scored by Switzerland defenseman Felicien du Bois (13) in the second period during men's ice hockey Group A play in the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Russia forward Pavel Datsyuk (13) reaches for the puck in the first period against USA during men's ice hockey Group B play in the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

United States forward Troy Terry (23) battles for the puck with Olympic Athlete from Russia defenseman Bogdan Kiselevich (55) in the second period during men's ice hockey Group B play in the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Olympic Athlete from Russia fans celebrate as the players leave the ice after defeating USA during men's ice hockey Group B play in the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Peter Davidovitch of Chicago, Ill., watches warmups prior to a hockey game between the U.S. and Slovakia during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

U.S. defenseman Bobby Sanguinetti (22) and Slovakia forward Matej Paulovic (67) fight for the puck in a hockey game between the U.S. and Slovakia during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

U.S. defenseman Matt Gilroy (97) is checked into the boards by Slovakia forward Milos Bubela (17) in a hockey game between the U.S. and Slovakia during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

U.S> goaltender Ryan Zapolski (30) tries to cover the puck as in a hockey game between the U.S. and Slovakia during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Slovakia defenseman Juraj Valach (16) takes down United States forward Garrett Roe (11) in a hockey game between the U.S. and Slovakia during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Olympic Athlete of Russia forward Ilya Kovalchuk (71) celebrates his goal during the first period against Slovenia at the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Olympic Athlete of Russia defenseman Artyom Zub (2) and Slovenia forward Jan Mursak (39) battle for the puck during the second period at the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Olympic Athletes of Russia fans cheer after their fourth goal during the second period against Slovenia at the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. , Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Olympic Athletes of Russia fans cheer after their fifth goal during the second period against Slovenia at the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Norway forward Patrick Thoresen (41) celebrates his goal against Finland in the first period during men's ice hockey group C play in the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Finland forward Julius Junttila (13) battles for the puck with Norway defenseman Stefan Espeland (17) in the second period during men's ice hockey group C play in the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Finland defenseman Juuso Hietanen (38) battles for the puck with Norway forward Mathis Olimb (46) in the third period during men's ice hockey group C play in the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

The puck bounces up between Norway forward Mats Rosseli Olsen (51) and Finland goaltender Mikko Koskinen (19) in the third period during men's ice hockey group C play in the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Norway forward Ken Andre Olimb (40) battles for the puck with Finland defenseman Atte Ohtamaa (55) in the third period during men's ice hockey group C play in the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Slovakia forward Andrej Kudrna (18) scores as U.S. goaltender Ryan Zapolski (30) cannot make the save as the puck finds the back of the net in a hockey game between the United Sates of America and Slovakia during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Feb 15, 2018; Gangneung, South Korea; North Korean Cheerleaders at the game between Korea and the Czech Republic in Men's Hockey Group A play during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Nelles-USA TODAY Sports Andrew Nelles, Andrew Nelles-USA TODAY Sports

Finland defenseman Atte Ohtamaa (55) dives for the puck in a hockey game between Finland and Germany during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Norway forward Kristian Forsberg (26) holds his bloody nose during the second period against Sweden at the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

North Korean Cheerleaders at the game between Korea and the Czech Republic in Men's Hockey Group A play during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Korea defenseman Won Jun Kim (6) looks for the puck against Czech Republic in Men's Hockey Group A play during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Norway forward Patrick Thoresen (41) moves the puck under pressure by Sweden defenseman Staffan Kronwall (4) during the second period at the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennesssean

North Korean Cheerleaders at the game between Korea and the Czech Republic in Men's Hockey Group A play during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

United States goaltender Nicole Hensley (29) heads out to the ice before women's hockey group A play against Olympic Athletes from Russia during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Kwandong Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Olympic Athlete from Russia goaltender Valeria Tarakanova (1) keeps an eye on the puck as it sails in the air in a hockey game between the United States and the Olympic Athletes from Russia during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Kwandong Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

United States goaltender Nicole Hensley (29) wears a painted helmet in women's hockey group A play during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Kwandong Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Finland forward Emma Nuutinen (22) looks on as Canada forward Blayre Turnbull (40) passes the puck during a hockey game between Canada and Finland at the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Kwandong Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Olympic Athlete from Russia goaltender Valeria Tarakanova (1) tries to cover the puck while players crash the net in a hockey game between the United States and the Olympic Athletes from Russia during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Kwandong Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

United States forward Monique Lamoureux-Morando (7) shoots the puck against Olympic Athlete from Russia goaltender Valeria Tarakanova (1) in women's hockey group A play during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Kwandong Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

United States forward Jocelyne Lamoureux (17) celebrates scoring a goal against Olympic Athletes from Russia in women's hockey group A play during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Kwandong Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Yulia Galysheva (KZA) reacts after being announced as the bronze medalist during the medals ceremony for the ladies' moguls freestyle skiing event in the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Medals Plaza. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

David Gleirscher (AUT), center, reacts after being announced as the gold medalist during the ceremony for the men's singles luge event as silver medalist Chris Mazdzer (USA), left, and bronze medalist Johannes Ludwig (GER) look on in the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Medals Plaza. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Team Canada jumps onto the podium after being announced as the gold medalists during the medals ceremony for the figure skating team event in the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Medals Plaza. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

United States forward Kendall Coyne (26) celebrates after scoring a goal against Finland during women's hockey group A play during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Kwandong Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Olympic athletes from Russia huddle before the game against Canada in women's hockey group A play during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Kwandong Hockey Centre. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Nelles-USA TODAY Sports Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

United States forward Monique Lamoureux-Morando (7) scores a goal against Finland during women's hockey group A play during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Kwandong Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Russia goaltender Nadezhda Morozova (92) covers the puck against Canada during women's hockey group A play in the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Kwandong Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Canada forward Rebecca Johnston (6) celebrates a goal against Olympic Athletes from Russia during women's hockey group A play during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Kwandong Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

A member of a group from North Korea wears a North Korean flag pin before women's ice hockey Group B play between Switzerland and the combined Koreas in the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at the Kwandong Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

North Korean supporters cheer after women's ice hockey Group B play between Switzerland and the combined Koreas in the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at the Kwandong Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

North Korean supporters, bottom, walk to their seats near South Korean fans, top, before women's ice hockey Group B play between Switzerland and the combined Koreas in the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at the Kwandong Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

North Korean supporters cheer during women's ice hockey Group B play between Switzerland and the combined Koreas in the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at the Kwandong Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

North Korean supporters cheer during women's ice hockey Group B play between Switzerland and the combined Koreas in the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at the Kwandong Hockey Centre. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

There were stirring sports moments, of course. I lucked out and got to cover Jessie Diggins lunge across the finish line for the first ever U.S. women’s cross-country gold medal (or medal of any kind), and, less than 24 hours later, one of the best games I’ll ever see: U.S. women’s hockey over Canada for gold. This was snowboarding phenom Chloe Kim, curling everyman Matt Hamilton, Norwegians gorging on gold, Russians continuing to dope and the tiny state of Vermont producing Olympians like no one else.

But it was the unified Korean women’s hockey team, cheered on by the mesmerizing North Korean cheer squad, that commanded everyone’s attention. And the media swooned over Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and a big deal was made of the invitation to South Korean President Moon Jae-in to come to North Korea for talks. Given Kim Jong Un’s history of violence and oppression, it was natural to be skeptical. This read like a self-serving move aimed at reducing sanctions.

Polls indicated South Koreans read it the same way. So did my conversations with South Koreans. I chatted up Lee on Saturday during my final assignment, bobsledding, because she was the best liaison at all the venues I worked at the Games. She actually lives in France and is considering grad school after getting a bachelor’s degree in event management from an arts university in Seoul. She shall speak for South Korea in this column!

Australia's Lucas Mata, David Mari, Lachlan Reidy and Hayden Smithreact in the open four-man competition Run 2 during the Winter Olympics at Olympic Sliding Centre in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Matt Kryger, USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Mack of the United States celebrates with the American flag after winning the silver medal in the men's snowboard big air finals during the Winter Olympics at Phoenix Snow Park in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Peter Casey, USA TODAY Sports

American Kyle Mack is in disbelief after winning the silver medal in the men's snowboard big air finals during the Winter Olympics at Phoenix Snow Park in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Eric Seals, USA TODAY Sports

First daughter Ivanka Trump, second from left, sits with South Korea first lady Kim Jung-sook at the men's snowboard big air finals during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Phoenix Snow Park. Eric Seals, USA TODAY Sports

Codie Bascue, Evan Weinstock, Steven Langton and Samuel McGuffie of the United State compete in the open four-man competition Run 1 during the Winter Olympics at Olympic Sliding Centre in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Dan Powers, USA TODAY Sports

Codie Bascue, Evan Weinstock, Steven Langton and Samuel McGuffie of the United State compete in the open four-man competition Run 1 during the Winter Olympics at Olympic Sliding Centre in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Dan Powers, USA TODAY Sports

Latvia's Oskars Melbardis, Daumants Dreiskens, Arvis Vilkaste and Janis Strenga take off in the open four-man competition Run 1 during the Winter Olympics at Olympic Sliding Centre in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Daniel Powers, Dan Powers-USA TODAY Sports

“Just advertising,” Lee said. “Just a show. I hope everyone can be united together, I hope we can have peace, you know? I hope it can work out. These (North Korean) people didn’t do anything wrong, they just live there. Everyone deserves to be happy and deserves to be free. But I really have no idea about what North Korea (leaders) are doing, they’re not open for anything so it’s really hard to believe anything.”

Politics and the Olympics are always intertwined, but this was an extreme case. Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump have thrown plenty of nuclear rhetoric at each other. The disdain for Trump and his administration was palpable here, from folks of various countries including the host country.

“Trump? No comment,” Lee said. “I can tell you a lot of Korean people love (President Barack) Obama.”

And the Parkland massacre, which happened in the middle of the Games, again brought focus to issues in the United States and the question of why we have such deeper problems with gun violence than other countries. It often felt here like Americans were either apologizing or explaining.

A United States fan cheers before the match between United States and Canada in the men's curling semifinal during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Curling Centre. Daniel Powers, USA TODAY Sports

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir of Canada wore outfits that complemented their sexy ice dance routine. Virtue's dress featured major cutouts, while Moir had sheer sleeves to show off his arms. Jamie Squire, Getty Images

This is how a gold medalist rolls. Czech skier and snowboarder Ester Ledecka kept her goggles on during the post-race press conference after her shocking Super-G win. Ledecka said she wasn't wearing eye makeup, since she wasn't expecting to medal. LUKE PHILLIPS, AFP/Getty Images